Accessing RAID Array Data Without a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-8VHL/E Device

Has your NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-8VHL/E suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

Accessing RAID Array Data Without a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-8VHL/E Device
Data Recovery Tool

Buffalo TeraStation TS-8VHL/E NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an TeraStation TS-8VHL/E. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Accessing RAID Array Data Without a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-8VHL/E Device

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID

Conventional hard drives store user data by writing it sequentially across the disk surface, which means an entire file is typically located on a single drive. In contrast, when data is written to a RAID array, each file is split into multiple fragments. These fragments are then distributed and written in sequence across all the drives in the array. Depending on the configuration, fragment sizes can range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so every file is physically stored across several disks at once.

This approach significantly increases read and write performance — after all, writing two halves of a 1 GB file to two drives simultaneously is much faster than writing the full 1 GB to a single disk. However, this same mechanism makes file recovery far more complex.

Different RAID levels use different methods to distribute and protect data. On top of that, manufacturers like Buffalo often add their own proprietary structures and variations. As a result, data can be written to disks in many different formats, and each requires a specific approach during recovery.

How can a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-8VHL/E device's caching policy impact data loss risks?

The caching policy of a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-8VHL/E device can impact data loss risks in several ways:

  1. Write caching: The device may use write caching to improve performance by temporarily storing write operations in cache before writing them to the actual storage drives. However, if there is a power failure or system crash before the data is written to the drives, the cached data may be lost, leading to potential data loss.
  2. Read caching: Read caching is used to improve read performance by storing frequently accessed data in cache. While read caching does not directly impact data loss risks, it can lead to data inconsistency if the cached data is outdated or corrupted. This can occur if the original data is modified or deleted after being cached but before being written back to the storage.
  3. RAID caching: The TeraStation TS-8VHL/E supports various RAID levels for data redundancy and protection. Some RAID configurations, such as RAID 0 or RAID 5, may use caching to improve performance. However, if a drive fails or data corruption occurs during a write operation while caching is enabled, there is a risk of data loss or data corruption as the cached data may not be properly written to the drives.
  4. Cache management: The caching policy and cache management settings of the device can also impact data loss risks. For example, if the cache is not properly managed or if the cache size is insufficient, it may lead to cache overflow or cache thrashing, which can result in data loss or performance degradation.

To mitigate data loss risks, it is important to consider the following:

  • Ensure that the device is equipped with a reliable power supply and backup solutions, such as uninterruptible power supply (UPS), to prevent data loss due to power failures.
  • Regularly backup critical data to an external storage or cloud-based backup solution to protect against data loss in case of device failure or other unforeseen events.
  • Monitor the device's caching performance and ensure that the cache management settings are optimized for data integrity and performance.
  • Implement appropriate RAID configurations based on your data protection and performance requirements, considering the trade-offs between performance and data redundancy.

How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS TeraStation TS-8VHL/E can be accessed over the network, you still need to remove its hard disks and connect them directly to a Windows PC. Only then can the recovery software properly scan and analyze the drives. Follow these steps:

  1. Power off the NAS and disconnect it from the power source.

    WARNING! Before removing any drives, carefully read the device manual. Improper actions may damage both the NAS enclosure and the hard disks in the RAID array.

  2. Remove the hard disks one by one, gently sliding each drive out of its slot. Remember that hard disks are highly sensitive: any impact or drop can cause serious physical damage.

  3. Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.

  4. Connect the drives to your computer. In this video, we explain which ports you can use to connect hard disks and what to do if your PC does not have enough free connectors.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo TeraStation TS-8VHL/E. Each hard disk in the array contains technical metadata describing how files were written. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery analyzes this metadata, automatically reconstructs the damaged array, and provides access to its contents. After that, you can browse the recovered disk and save your files. The program can also restore files that were accidentally deleted from the network drive.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Buffalo

How to recover data from a Buffalo

TeraStation TS-8VHL/E has 1 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 6;
  • RAID 50;
  • RAID 60;
  • JBOD;

NAS supports:

  • exFAT, VFAT, FAT 12 / 16 / 32;
  • NTFS / ReFS;
  • APFS / HFS+;
  • Ext2 / 3 / 4 / ReiserFS / XFS / UFS / ZFS / Btrfs;
  • VMFS / HikvisionFS;

How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images

This utility allows you to create a complete copy of a disk and work with the disk image instead of the physical drive. This approach helps protect your data from:

  • Overwriting during the recovery process;
  • Additional data loss caused by bad sectors;
  • User errors.

To create a disk image, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.

  2. In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.

  3. When the Image Creation Wizard opens, select whether you want to save the entire disk or only a specific region. Adjust the settings and click Next.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Image Creation Wizard

  4. Choose the directory where the image will be saved. You may select any available disk connected to your PC or upload the image via FTP.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Choose a disk or save the image via FTP

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Buffalo TeraStation TS-8VHL/E network-attached storage keeps OS Linux operating system files on a separate RAID 1 (mirrored) array. Usually, all NAS systems create several volumes on every hard disk, and the first of them takes up to 2 Gb of space. This is where operating system files are stored. Other volumes are united into a RAID array where user’s data is written.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

Product Operating system RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows, Linux, MacOS Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 10 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes

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We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (3)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS TeraStation TS-8VHL/E, feel free to leave a comment!
    Reply
  • Eddie Leigh-Pemberton
    Eddie Leigh-Pemberton 29.08.2023 15:43 #
    Can deleted files be recovered from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-8VHL/E device?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 29.08.2023 16:59 #

      It is possible to recover deleted files from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-8VHL/E device, but it depends on various factors such as the file system used, the type of deletion, and whether the space previously occupied by the deleted files has been overwritten.

      If the files were deleted using a simple deletion method (e.g., moving to the trash or using the NAS's web interface to delete), they may still be recoverable. In such cases, you can try using data recovery software specifically designed for NAS devices to scan and recover the deleted files.

      However, if the files were securely deleted or the NAS device has a feature that overwrites the deleted files immediately, the chances of recovery become significantly lower.

      It is important to note that attempting data recovery on a NAS device should be done with caution to avoid further data loss. It is recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service or consult the Buffalo support team for guidance on the specific device model.

      Reply
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are the different file access levels available on the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-8VHL/E?

    The NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-8VHL/E offers the following file access levels:

    1. Read-Only: Users with this access level can only view and read files stored on the NAS. They cannot make any changes or modifications to the files.
    2. Read/Write: Users with this access level have the ability to view, read, and modify files stored on the NAS. They can create, edit, and delete files as well.
    3. Full Control: Users with full control access have complete administrative rights over the files and folders on the NAS. They can perform all operations, including creating, modifying, deleting, and managing permissions for files and folders.
    4. No Access: Users with this access level are denied access to the files and folders on the NAS. They cannot view, read, or modify any files.

    These access levels can be assigned to individual users or groups, allowing for fine-grained control over file access permissions on the TeraStation TS-8VHL/E.

  • How can you configure file access levels on the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-8VHL/E?

    To configure file access levels on the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-8VHL/E, you can follow these steps:

    1. Connect to the TeraStation web interface by entering its IP address in a web browser.
    2. Log in to the web interface using your admin credentials.
    3. Once logged in, navigate to the "Shared Folder" tab or section. This is where you can manage the file access levels.
    4. Select the shared folder for which you want to configure access levels.
    5. In the shared folder settings, you will find options to set access levels for different users or groups. You can create new users/groups if needed.
    6. Choose the appropriate access level for each user/group from the available options, such as Read Only, Read/Write, or No Access.
    7. Save the changes and apply them to the shared folder.
    8. Repeat the process for other shared folders if necessary.

    Note: The exact steps and options may vary slightly depending on the firmware version of your TeraStation device. It is recommended to refer to the user manual or documentation specific to your model for detailed instructions.

  • What are the security implications of different file access levels on the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-8VHL/E?

    The security implications of different file access levels on the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-8VHL/E can vary depending on the specific access levels and how they are configured. However, in general, here are some common security implications:

    1. Administrator Access: Having administrator access grants full control over the NAS device, including the ability to modify settings, access all files and folders, and manage user accounts. While this level of access is necessary for administration purposes, it also poses a higher security risk as any compromise of the administrator account could lead to unauthorized access and potential data loss.
    2. User Access: User access levels typically allow users to access specific files and folders based on the permissions granted to them. By assigning appropriate access privileges to users, you can ensure that they only have access to the data they need, reducing the risk of accidental or intentional data breaches.
    3. Guest Access: Guest access is usually a lower level of access that allows limited access to certain files or folders without requiring authentication. While this can be convenient for sharing files with external parties, it also poses a security risk as unauthorized users may gain access to sensitive data if not properly configured or monitored.
    4. Group Access: Group access allows multiple users to be assigned the same access rights simultaneously. This can simplify permission management by assigning permissions to groups rather than individual users. However, it is essential to regularly review and update group memberships to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive data.
    5. Public Access: Public access is the least secure level, as it provides unrestricted access to all files and folders on the NAS device. Enabling public access should be avoided unless there is a specific requirement for open sharing of data, as it significantly increases the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.

    To enhance the security of the NAS device, it is recommended to follow best practices such as regularly updating firmware, using strong passwords, enabling encryption, implementing access controls based on the principle of least privilege, and monitoring access logs for any suspicious activities.
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